If you notice that your student is struggling in a traditional school setting and learning environment, it might be time to consider a more specialized school.

Before we look at what factors might indicate this type of school could be better for your student, let’s explore what a specialized school is.

What are specialized schools?

Specialized schools are schools purposely designed for students who need support or structure not found in a traditional school. Typically, these schools foster students who have particular difficulties within their academic and learning profile. Often these specialized LD (learning differences) schools have a narrowly defined profile geared towards students with specific diagnosis like ADHD or dyslexia.

There are also schools that support students who have more clinical or behavioral needs, and these types of schools are often called therapeutic schools. Within therapeutic schools, the primary emphasis is on the clinical and counseling needs of the student rather than the academic needs, whereas in specialized LD-supportive schools, the focal point is on the neurodiverse academic/learning needs of the students.

If I could share one key takeaway that I want you to know…..many of the students who attend specialized LD schools are bright, cognitively strong students who are going onto wonderful colleges! They are kids who want to do well but just need to be taught in a different and more meaningful way. These are students who deep down care about learning, fitting in, feeling good about themselves and want to do well. And yes, often the students are very typical to students you would find at any other school!

Specialized LD schools tend to be smaller, which allows your student more one-on-one attention with their teachers. In addition, often these types of schools offer intense learning remediation to help bring a student to grade level. Students who attend these schools are able to find the academic and learning support they need, which indirectly supports them from a social-emotional perspective as well. The changes we see in students who suddenly are being taught in a way that works with how their brains and minds work, leads to vast improvements in self-confidence, friendships and a sense of purpose and meaning. It’s a magical transformation that makes our work so meaningful!

Here are some signs to look for if you think your student might benefit from a specialized LD school.

Signs My Student Could Benefit From a Specialized LD School

1. Academic Challenges

If your student has continuous challenges in one area or subject of their school work, it might be time to consider how a specialized school can benefit your student. Especially if your student has made minimal progress after receiving extra support, your next step may be to look into alternative school options. We often look to independent neuropsych testing to help provide additional academic data to inform where a student is falling relative to same-aged peers.

2. Social-Emotional & Behavioral Challenges

When we talk of behavioral challenges we also mean social and emotional limitations your student may be facing. Some of these behaviors can be detrimental to the success of your student’s academics. If you notice your student has difficulty regulating any of their emotions or behavior, that might be your sign that you should consider a specialized school with more support. Some specialized schools provide social pragmatic support for students which can be a game changer when it comes to friendship and social skills!

3. School Avoidance

For some students, just getting themselves to school is hard, because school is all the harder for them! For others, entering a new grade level can be a challenge for some students, because they are falling farther behind academically. However, if you notice that your student has a lot of reluctance towards going to school and adjustments the school may be making, a specialized school may be the place for them. In a new learning environment where students have more specialized guidance and meaningful connections, we find they adjust quite readily. And again, the transformation is remarkable with kids loving school again!

4. Struggles in Traditional School Settings

Traditional school settings don’t work for everyone. If you believe your student has not met their full potential in the traditional school setting, a specialized school may be just the place for them. Sometimes, the pace of learning at traditional schools can be challenging for students. If you think this might be the case with your student, they can find learning at their own speed within a more specialized school. For some kids, this is an interim move to help provide remediation and bring them to grade level and for others, it is a longer-term solution.

5. Diagnosed Learning Wrinkle

If your student has a diagnosed “learning wrinkle,” it might be time to consider how a specialized school can support them. These schools can offer your students the support and accommodations necessary for them to succeed.

Whether you’re open to exploring specialized schools or not, we encourage you to base your decision on what will best serve your student now, and in the future. If you need help navigating what might be best for them, we’re here to offer that support.